Dispenser for medical products used in infection control

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a modular dispenser for protective wear used in the medical field. The modular dispenser includes a first housing and at least a second housing. A third housing may be included. The housings are removably connectable to each other using interlocking means extending from each housing. Preferably, the first housing dispenses gowns, the second housing dispenses gloves, and the third housing dispenses masks. The dispensers may be adapted to receive pre-packaged protective wear.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/214,999, filed Jun. 29, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention is directed to a dispenser and, more particularly, to a modular dispenser for protective wear used in the medical field.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Dispensers for protective wear used in the medical field, such as gloves, face masks, face shields, and the like, are known. The following U.S. patents are examples of such dispensers: Re. 33,413; Des. 385,626; 985,235; 1,688,242; 2,147,086; 3,459,329; 3,502,244; 4,415,089; 4,550,856; 4,616,755; 4,863,057; 5,211,303; 5,526,943; 5,570,808; 6,062,421.

[0006] Known dispensers, generally, are stand-alone apparatuses that dispense a predetermined item. In other words, there is a dispenser for gowns, a dispenser for gloves, and a dispenser for masks. In most cases, the dispensers are not located in the same area. Thus, a person has to travel from one dispenser to another to get all the desired protective wear. Some apparatuses dispense more than one item; however, the items dispensed by that apparatus are not interchangeable. In other words, an apparatus for dispensing gowns and gloves can only dispense gowns and gloves. The apparatus cannot be used for dispensing masks.

[0007] Therefore, a need exits for a dispenser that is modular such that the protective wear dispensed may be mixed and matched depending on the application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of this invention to provide a modular dispenser for dispensing multiple protective wear used in a medical environment, such as a hospital or nursing care facility.

[0009] A modular dispenser according to the present invention includes a gown dispenser integral with a first housing and a glove dispenser integral with at least a second housing. A third housing may be included which defines a mask dispenser. The dispensers may be adapted to receive pre-packaged protective wear. The housings are connectable using interlocking means.

[0010] The modular apparatus allows for the dispensing of various protective wear depending on the desired application. For example, in a contact precaution, a gown and glove dispenser may be used. In an airborne precaution, a gown, a glove, and a conical face mask dispenser may be used. In a bloodborne precaution, a gown, a glove, and a face shield mask dispenser may be used. The dispensers are connected in the modular apparatus. Thus, each item of protective wear is located adjacent each other. A person does not have to travel to acquire all of the desired protective wear, saving time and preventing confusion and mistake.

[0011] The modular dispenser is mountable to a surface, such as a door or wall. Therefore, floor space beneath the modular dispenser is open. This feature allows for easy access under the modular dispenser for cleaning the floor or wall and for storing items on the floor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a modular dispenser according to the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a first housing of the modular dispenser shown in FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 3 is a side view of the first housing of the modular dispenser shown in FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a hanging apparatus for the modular dispenser shown in FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 5 is a front view of an area for displaying information on the modular dispenser shown in FIG. 1;

[0017]FIG. 6 is a top view of a second housing of the modular dispenser shown in FIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a modular dispenser according to the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a second and third housing of the modular dispenser shown in FIG. 7;

[0020]FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of a modular dispenser according to the present invention; and

[0021]FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a third housing of the modular dispenser shown in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] A complete understanding of the invention will be obtained from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, wherein like reference characters identify like parts throughout.

[0023] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a modular dispenser 10 according to the present invention includes a first housing 12 and at least a second housing 14. The first housing 12 has a bottom 16. A front 18 and a back 20 extend generally perpendicular from the bottom 16 and parallel to each other. Opposed ends 22 extend generally perpendicular from the bottom 16 and perpendicular to the front 18 and the back 20. Preferably, finished edges of the first housing 12 are rounded for safety. The bottom 16 may have at least one hole 24 for drainage during cleaning and/or disinfecting of the modular dispenser 10.

[0025] Interlocking means 26 extend from the bottom 16 of the first housing 12. The interlocking means 26 communicate with interlocking means 54 of the second housing 14 in order to connect the second housing 14 to the first housing 12. Additionally, interlocking means 26 may extend from each opposed end 22 to connect two or more modular dispensers 10 together. The interlocking means 26 may be dovetail joints or tongue and groove joints, for example.

[0026] The back 20 includes means for mounting the modular dispenser 10 to a surface (not shown), such as a door or a wall. For example, the back 20 may include at least one aperture 30. A nail, hook, or other suitable hanging means (not shown) protruding from the surface may be received within the aperture 30 to mount the modular dispenser 10 on the surface. If the modular dispenser 10 is to be attached to a glass door, a suitable hanging apparatus 32 (see FIG. 4) may be used. For example, two sleeves 34 may be attached to the ends of the door. A bar 36 may be inserted within the sleeves 34. The modular dispenser 10 may then be attached to the bar 36.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the front 18 may include a display 38. The display 38 is an area where pertinent information may be displayed. The display 38 may be removably attached to the front 18, for example, through pegs 40 attached to the front 18 and openings (not shown) located in the display 38. For example, the display 38 may include guides for sliding in a nameplate, a white board for writing information, a corkboard for attaching items using tacks, and hooks for hanging items.

[0028] Referring also to FIG. 6, the second housing 14 includes a bottom 42, a top 44, a front 46, a back 48, and opposed ends 50 forming a box-like structure. Preferably, finished edges of the second housing 14 are rounded for safety. The bottom 42 may have at least one hole 52 for drainage during cleaning and/or disinfecting of the modular dispenser 10. Interlocking means 54 extend from one or more of the bottom 42, the top 44, and the opposed ends 50. The interlocking means 54 communicate with the interlocking means 26 of the first housing 12 in order to connect the second housing 14 to the first housing 12.

[0029] A gown dispenser 56 is integral with the first housing 12 and stores medical gowns (not shown). The gowns may be folded and placed one on top of another as with folded shirts. Alternatively, the gowns may be folded and placed one in front of the other as in hanging shirts. The gowns may be in a container (not shown) from a manufacturer; in which case the container may be placed into the gown dispenser 56.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the back 20 of the first housing 12 may include slots 58 that removably receive dividers (not shown). The dividers are received in the slots 58 and positioned to be parallel with the opposed ends 22 and perpendicular to the front 18 and the back 20. When the dividers are placed into an interior of the gown dispenser 56, the space allotted to accommodate the gowns is decreased. Thus, different sizes of folded gowns may be accommodated by the gown dispenser 56.

[0031] Since the first housing 12 does not have a top, a gown is easily removed from the gown dispenser 56 as needed. Preferably, the front 18 of the first housing 12 is configured to allow a person's hand to enter the gown dispenser 56 to retrieve a gown when the supply is low. Thus, preferably, the front 18 is U-shaped which allows access to the interior of the gown dispenser 56.

[0032] A glove dispenser 60 is integral with the second housing 14 and stores protective gloves (not shown). The front 46 of the second housing 14 includes an opening 62 sized and shaped to allow access to the interior of the glove dispenser 60 by a person's hand. The gloves may be manually loaded into the glove dispenser 60 and subsequently retrieved from the glove dispenser 60 through the opening 62.

[0033] A door 64 may be pivotally attached to the front 46 of the second housing 14 and include the opening 62. The door 64 may be opened to load the gloves into the glove dispenser 60. The gloves may be in a container (not shown) from a manufacturer; in which case the container may be placed into the glove dispenser 60 when the door 64 is opened and secured therein when the door 64 is closed. The glove dispenser 60 may include a pressure plate 66 positioned near the back 48 of the second housing 14. The pressure plate 66 communicates with the container of gloves to maintain the container near the front 46 of the second housing 14. The pressure plate 66 may be spring loaded.

[0034] The modular dispenser 10 may include a third housing 68. The third housing 68 includes a bottom 70, a top 72, a front 74, a back 76, and opposed ends 78 forming a box-like structure. Preferably, finished edges of the third housing 68 are rounded for safety. The bottom 70 may have at least one hole 80 for drainage during cleaning and/or disinfecting of the modular dispenser 10. Interlocking means 82 extend from one or more of the bottom 70, the top 72, and the opposed ends 78. The interlocking means 82 communicate with the interlocking means 26 of the first housing 12 and/or the interlocking means 54 of the second housing 14 in order to connect the third housing 68 to the first housing 12 and/or the second housing 14.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 7-10, a mask dispenser 84 is integral with the third housing 68 and stores protective masks (not shown), for example, face masks or face shields. The front 74 of the third housing 68 includes an opening 86 sized and shaped to allow access to the interior of the mask dispenser 84 by a person's hand and to allow a mask to fit therethrough. The masks may be manually loaded into the mask dispenser 84 and subsequently retrieved from the mask dispenser 84 through the opening 86. A push 88 may be positioned near the back 76 of the third housing 68 to communicate with the masks and urge the masks toward the opening 86. The push 88 may be spring loaded and shaped to correspond to the type of mask loaded into the mask dispenser 84.

[0036] A door 90 may be pivotally attached to the front 74 of the third housing 68 and include the opening 86. The door 90 may be opened to load the masks into the mask dispenser 84. The masks may be in a container (not shown) from a manufacturer; in which case the container may be placed into the mask dispenser 84 when the door 90 is opened and secured therein when the door 90 is closed. The mask dispenser 84 may include a pressure plate 92 positioned near the back 76 of the third housing 68. The pressure plate 92 communicates with the container of masks to maintain the container near the front 74 of the third housing 68.

[0037] While the present invention has been described for dispensing gowns, gloves, and masks, the modular dispenser 10 may be adapted to dispense any other protective wear or medical products used in the medical field. Additionally, any number of dispensers may be connected together using interlocking means extending from each housing.

[0038] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that while the foregoing description sets forth in detail preferred embodiments of the present invention, modifications, additions, and changes might be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A modular dispenser, comprising: a first housing defining a gown dispenser, the first housing including an opening and interlocking means extending from an exterior of the first housing; and at least a second housing defining a glove dispenser, the second housing including an opening and interlocking means extending from an exterior of the second housing, the interlocking means of the second housing communicable with the interlocking means of the first housing.
 2. The modular dispenser according to claim 1, further including a third housing defining a mask dispenser, the third housing including an opening and interlocking means extending from an exterior of the third housing, the interlocking means of the third housing communicable with the interlocking means of the first housing and the second housing.
 3. The modular dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first housing further includes a display.
 4. The modular dispenser according to claim 3, wherein the display is removably connected to the front of the first housing.
 5. The modular dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first housing includes a bottom, a front and an opposed back extending from the bottom, and opposed sides extending from the bottom, wherein the interlocking means extend from the bottom.
 6. The modular dispenser according to claim 5, wherein the front is U-shaped.
 7. The modular dispenser according to claim 5, wherein the back includes at least one slot, each slot adapted to receive a divider that is positioned within an interior of the first housing parallel to the opposed ends and perpendicular to the front and to the back.
 8. The modular dispenser according to claim 5, wherein the back includes at least one opening for receiving means to mount the modular dispenser on a surface.
 9. The modular dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the second housing includes a bottom and an opposed top, a front and an opposed back extending from the bottom, opposed sides extending from the bottom to the top, wherein the front includes an opening and the interlocking means depend from the top.
 10. The modular dispenser according to claim 9, further including a door pivotally attached to the front of the second housing and having the opening.
 11. The modular dispenser according to claim 10, further including a pressure plate positioned near the back of the second housing, the pressure communicates with a container of gloves positioned within the glove dispenser.
 12. The modular dispenser according to claim 2, wherein: the first housing includes a bottom, a front and an opposed back extending from the bottom, and opposed ends extending from the bottom, wherein the interlocking means extend from the bottom and the opposed ends; the second housing includes a bottom and an opposed top, a front and an opposed back extending from the bottom, opposed ends extending from the bottom to the top, wherein the front includes an opening and the interlocking means extend from the top and the opposed ends; and the third housing includes a bottom and an opposed top, a front and an opposed back extending from the bottom, opposed sides extending from the bottom to the top, wherein the front includes an opening and the interlocking means extend from the top and the opposed ends.
 13. The modular dispenser according to claim 12, further including a push positioned within the third housing near the back, wherein the push communicates with masks loaded in the mask dispenser and urges the masks toward the opening in the front of the third housing.
 14. The modular dispenser according to claim 12, further including a door pivotally attached to the front of the third housing and having the opening.
 15. The modular dispenser according to claim 14, further including a pressure plate positioned near the back of the third housing, the pressure plate communicates with a container of masks positioned within the mask dispenser.
 16. A modular dispenser for dispensing protective wear, comprising: a gown dispenser; and a glove dispenser removably connectable to the gown dispenser.
 17. The modular dispenser according to claim 16, further including a mask dispenser removably connectable to the gown dispenser and the glove dispenser.
 18. The modular dispenser according to claim 17, wherein the gown dispenser is adapted to receive and dispense pre-packaged gowns, the glove dispenser is adapted to receive and dispense pre-packaged gloves, and the mask dispenser is adapted to receive and dispense pre-packaged masks.
 19. A modular dispenser, comprising: a first housing defining a gown dispenser, the first housing including: a bottom having at least one hole, a U-shaped front extending from the bottom, a back opposed the front and extending from the bottom, opposed ends extending from the bottom, interlocking means extending from the bottom and the opposed ends, and means for mounting the modular dispenser to a surface; a display removably connected to the front of the first housing; and a second housing defining a glove dispenser, the second housing including: a bottom having at least one hole, a top opposed the bottom, a front having a first opening and extending from the bottom, a door pivotably attached to the front, aligned with the first opening of the front, and including a second opening, a back opposed the front and extending from the bottom, opposed ends extending from the bottom to the top, and interlocking means extending from the top and the opposed ends and communicable with the interlocking means of the first housing.
 20. The modular dispenser according to claim 19, further including a third housing defining a mask dispenser, the third housing including: a bottom, a top opposed the bottom, a front having a first opening and extending from the bottom, a door pivotably attached to the front, aligned with the first opening of the front, and including a second opening, a back opposed the front and extending from the bottom, opposed ends extending from the bottom to the top, and interlocking means extending from the top and the opposed ends and communicable with the interlocking means of the first housing and the interlocking means of the second housing. 